Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Chemistry in Everyday Life

Question:

What is the name of the given drug?

Options:

Prontosil

Salvarsan

Sulphanilamide

Penicillin

Correct Answer:

Salvarsan

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 2. Salvarsan.

Salvarsan, also known as arsphenamine, is an organoarsenic compound that was the first effective treatment for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Salvarsan was discovered by the German chemist Paul Ehrlich in 1907. Ehrlich was searching for a "magic bullet" – a chemical compound that could specifically target and kill disease-causing microorganisms without harming the host. After extensive experimentation, Ehrlich and his team developed Salvarsan, which showed remarkable efficacy against Treponema pallidum, the bacterium responsible for syphilis. Salvarsan contains arsenic, which is toxic to bacteria. Salvarsan was designed to target the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. It interferes with the metabolic pathways of the bacterium, leading to its destruction.

Medical Use:

Salvarsan was the first effective treatment for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause severe health complications if left untreated. Salvarsan was considered a breakthrough in medical science, as it provided a specific and effective treatment for syphilis, which was widespread and challenging to treat before its discovery.

Impact and Legacy:

Salvarsan represented a significant milestone in the history of medicine, marking the first time that a chemical compound specifically targeted and cured a microbial infection. The success of Salvarsan paved the way for further research into chemotherapy and the development of other antimicrobial agents, laying the foundation for modern antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs. Despite its effectiveness, Salvarsan had limitations, including potential toxicity and the need for careful administration. It was eventually replaced by newer and safer antibiotics, such as penicillin, for the treatment of syphilis.

Salvarsan, or arsphenamine, was a groundbreaking discovery in the field of medicine, providing the first effective treatment for syphilis. Its development marked a significant advancement in the treatment of infectious diseases and laid the groundwork for future innovations in chemotherapy and antimicrobial therapy.